Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams did not end the 2025 season the way they'd hoped. After going 12-5 in the regular season, the Rams made a deep playoff run, which eventually stopped with an NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite not winning a Super Bowl, Stafford had much to celebrate. He led one of the NFL's most high-powered offenses, earning a Pro Bowl nod, a First-Team All-Pro selection and winning the MVP award. It was a tight race, earning just one more first-place vote than New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
The Rams have invested in the defense early in the offseason. Along with trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie, Los Angeles signed cornerback Jaylen Watson and linebacker Grant Stuard in free agency.
After those additions, NFL.com's Bucky Brooks believes Los Angeles will use the 2026 NFL Draft as an opportunity to build up the offense. He predicts the Rams will select USC Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon with the No. 13 pick.
"The Rams need a WR2/WR3 candidate in the fold to eventually replace 33-year-old Davante Adams on the perimeter," Brooks wrote. "Lemon has inside/outside positional flexibility with a polished game that will quickly earn the trust of reigning MVP Matthew Stafford."
Puka Nacua and Davante Adams were one of the NFL's top wide receiver duos in 2025. Together, they combined for 189 receptions, 2,504 yards and 24 touchdowns. Nacua's 1,715 yards were the second most in the NFL, while Adams' 14 touchdowns led the NFL.
However, Adams has just one more year left under contract and, at 33 years old, is nearing the back end of his career. Drafting Lemon would give the Rams an eventual replacement. It would also keep him close to home after spending the last three seasons with USC.
He put together his best year as a junior in 2025. Lemon appeared in 12 games, racking up 79 receptions, 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, all of which are career-highs.
While Nacua is also in line to receive a hefty extension in the near future, Lemon would give Stafford and Los Angeles another weapon for the 2026 season.
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